Narrative warfare
THE battle of narratives is the least understood aspect of countering extremism and terrorism. Engaging primarily in hard approaches means states maintain a monopoly over countering extremism, with little input…
More questions, fewer answers
After several delays and setbacks, the long-awaited intra-Afghan peace process is likely to begin next week in Doha, Qatar. The announcement came from Dr Abdullah, the chairman of the High…
Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The euphoria created in the aftermath of the Taliban-US peace deal seems to be dying down before it could even be implemented. The ruthless attacks of the Taliban in the…
Trump, the businessman
On the first ever foreign visit after his election US President Donald Trump has signed $380 billion worth of business deals with Saudi Arabia. These deals also include a $110…
Muslim world’s shock, outrage at Trump’s visa ban
Families split, a father unable to reach his son's wedding and officials warning of a "gift to extremists" - President Donald Trump's visa ban on seven Muslim countries has triggered…
A rejoinder
In response to our article (Unconstitutional taxation by provinces, Business Recorder, January 3, 2020), a letter was published on January 9, 2020 titled ‘Unconstitutional’ taxation by provinces: SRB’s response’ that…
Peace is greater than power
In most parts of the word “Ethiopia” connotes famine, conflict and poverty. The image of a small, backward country with an undernourished population constantly at war and conflict cross border…
Palestinians left with few options against Trump plan
Palestinians have rejected US President Donald Trump's peace proposals but may struggle to push back if Israel launches the plan on the ground by annexing settlements and keys parts of…
Indian navy & Gulf
IT is unfair to draw lessons from the fate of a bankrupt Egypt in the 19th century and relate it to today’s economically vibrant Gulf states. Nevertheless one can detect…
Pakistan: an Egypt in the making?
The International Monetary Fund's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme design for Pakistan (July 2019-September 2022) is uncannily similar to that for Egypt (November 2016-2019 with the last mandatory review held…
